01/08/2026
THE ORPHAN GIRL ISIOMA
Chapter 1
The morning sun had barely risen when eighteen-year-old Isioma stepped out of the tiny room she rented at the back of an old building. The room was small, with cracked walls and a leaking roof, but it was the only place she could call home.
Life had never been kind to her.
She lost both her parents when she was only seven years old. Since then, she had survived alone, moving from one relative's house to another until everyone became tired of feeding her.
At fifteen, she left and started struggling on her own.
Every day was a battle.
Some days she ate twice. Some days she slept hungry.
But Isioma never gave up.
She worked as a sales girl in a popular supermarket in Lagos. The pay was small, but it helped her pay rent and buy food.
"Good morning, Isioma," her manager greeted as she arranged products on the shelves.
"Good morning, sir," she replied with her usual smile.
Everyone admired her kindness. Despite her suffering, she was always polite and hardworking.
That afternoon, a black luxury car stopped in front of the supermarket.
People turned to stare.
The car was one of the most expensive vehicles they had ever seen.
Moments later, a tall, handsome young man stepped out.
He looked rich, confident, and elegant.
His expensive suit and wristwatch revealed that he came from wealth.
His name was Yemi Adebayo.
One of the youngest business tycoons in the city.
As Yemi entered the supermarket, many ladies secretly admired him.
But Yemi paid attention to none of them.
Instead, his eyes landed on a young sales girl helping an elderly customer carry groceries.
It was Isioma.
There was something different about her.
Something pure.
Something genuine.
After finishing with the customer, Isioma returned to arranging products.
Suddenly, she heard a deep voice behind her.
"Excuse me."
She turned around and almost froze.
The handsome stranger was standing before her.
